chizcurl's recent activity
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Comment on Does anyone have experience or advice on cutting sugar consumption? in ~health
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Comment on Does anyone have experience or advice on cutting sugar consumption? in ~health
chizcurl (edited )LinkCongrats on the hard work that youāve put into your health journey! Plateaus and regression are normal for most people. Your habits (and weight) fluctuate with stress, illness, grief, old age,...Congrats on the hard work that youāve put into your health journey! Plateaus and regression are normal for most people. Your habits (and weight) fluctuate with stress, illness, grief, old age, etc. If youāve caught yourself slipping, that's okay. Think about what you can do to get back on track towards health. What worked for you in the past, and can it apply to your lifestyle right now? If not, then what changes are you most likely to repeat? That is the key to sustainability.
For me, I LOVE sugar and sweets! But my doctor told me very sternly that I wasnāt 22 anymore. š She gave me a target weight range and weekly move minutes quota several years back.
Deciding on moderation, I used an app to track my daily calorie intake. Restriction does not help everyone, but you mentioned your improved relationship with food. The app made me face the facts: Someone of my short stature and low physical activity can't have boba with lunch and brownie a la mode at dinner, in the same day, multiple times per week! I chose the least aggressive calorie deficit plan and loosely followed it. It took me 2 years to lose 18 lbs while trying to figure out what "sustainable" looks like for me.
I don't like the taste of sugar substitutes, so my other options were reasonable sugar reduction and portion control. For example, I trained my taste buds to enjoy black coffee because I would rather have sugar in the form of dessert instead of a latte. I can enjoy boba less sweet (~70-80% sugar) with regular ice, but I can't stand 50% sweet. If I get a slice of cheesecake, I'll save the other half for tomorrow.
Moderation also means that I don't wig out after indulging in brownies and boba with fried chicken on a Saturday. It's just one meal out of the week; I'll be fine as long as I return to eating healthy-ish and keep up with my move minutes. Since I don't like the gym, I run/walk in the neighborhood. But running is also kind of boring to me, so I make it more fun by listening to music or podcasts. If it's too cold outside, then I walk in place indoors while watching YouTube.
Someone else mentioned waiting out a craving; I also do that sometimes. Like if a craving for a specific dessert hits me at night after dinner, I'll wait until the next day. If the craving persists into the afternoon, then I'll go out and get it.
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Comment on Some thoughts on cleaning up my shitty apartment in ~talk
chizcurl LinkMaybe you're just overwhelmed by the task? Usually that has to do with feeling in control of the challenges you have to deal with. You might be interested in this video which talks about active...Maybe you're just overwhelmed by the task? Usually that has to do with feeling in control of the challenges you have to deal with. You might be interested in this video which talks about active and passive challenges.
My guess is that you feel like you're dealing with a problem that feels out of your control at the moment: You got a bunch of knick knacks and things encroaching on your physical space. Some random stuff, expensive stuff, and other stuff that might be useful for entertainment or decoration. So now you have to do more work by sorting through everything before you can get rid of stuff! Personally, I would start putting things in boxes or piles and slowly figure out what to keep, throw away, recycle (regular and e-waste), and donate. I'd probably block off an hour in my calendar for the next 3 weeks and see where that gets me. Just remember that it's okay to go at your own pace. š
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Comment on How are you dealing with inflation regarding everyday enjoyment? in ~life
chizcurl (edited )LinkIt sucks having to downgrade your lifestyle, especially when the circumstances are beyond your control like what's happening now with inflation. What do you define as excessively looking for...It sucks having to downgrade your lifestyle, especially when the circumstances are beyond your control like what's happening now with inflation.
What do you define as excessively looking for discounts? I live by the mantra of "never pay full price or pay for shipping", but I enjoy the hunt for deals. It might help to review your monthly budget to see how much of your effort with discounts is absolutely necessary. You might be able to indulge in your favorite snacks, name brands, etc. more frequently than you thought. I have done this to exert some control over the uncontrollable.
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Comment on What do I do if I don't have any clothes? in ~life.style
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentWhat I meant was, it is normal to spend a whole day shopping and not buy anything because you didnāt want to āsettleā. Over the years, I started buying pieces that Iām for sure excited about. The...What I meant was, it is normal to spend a whole day shopping and not buy anything because you didnāt want to āsettleā. Over the years, I started buying pieces that Iām for sure excited about. The other stuff I bought while settling because I didnāt want to āwasteā a 5-hour trip to the mall ended up gathering dust in the closet for years until I donated them. In effect, more of my time and money was actually wasted doing that.
It sounds like you want to shop intentionally. Maybe you could get more basics so that you have more clothes to wear while you take time shopping for the trendy pieces you want. I donāt think that would be a waste because basics can be paired with your future trendy items. Since it sounds like what you want cannot be obtained easily, then you could try paying someone else to create them (or do it yourself).
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Comment on What do I do if I don't have any clothes? in ~life.style
chizcurl LinkI just want to say that it is completely normal to spend a whole day shopping at the mall and end up buying nothing. Many designs are seasonal, and fast fashion places are all competing with each...I just want to say that it is completely normal to spend a whole day shopping at the mall and end up buying nothing. Many designs are seasonal, and fast fashion places are all competing with each other by carrying the same thing. For example, I never found the black jean shorts I wanted because every store that day decided to make them ripped. I went with regular jean shorts instead, because those were also on my list.
I was looking for more basics rather than statement pieces. It sounds like you might be in search of both? It's okay to take your time finding items that you really like, and items that will pair with other clothes that you already have. Too many clothes end up being a waste of money and space imo.
If you're having trouble finding clothes in person and online, then you might be interested in making your own clothes. š¤ I've seen DIY clothes videos ranging from basic to advanced.
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Comment on Cartoons such as Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, or Avatar? in ~tv
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentI recently finished season 1 (25 episodes) of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and it's amazing! Like ATLA, the show is extremely character driven with incredible world building and some episodic...I recently finished season 1 (25 episodes) of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and it's amazing! Like ATLA, the show is extremely character driven with incredible world building and some episodic storytelling in the mix. It has it all: coziness, comedy, action, romance, adventure, existentialism, heartwarming moments, dark moments. I'm now watching commentaries to get my fix after the show is over. I can't recommend it enough!
Edited to add another anime that was short and enjoyable and might be your vibe: Somali and the Forest Spirit. In short, a forest golem embarks on mission to reunite a lost child with her family. It's cute, funny, and also kinda dark.
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Comment on Chinese woman in Beijing goes on one hundred blind dates per year in ~life
chizcurl (edited )LinkSome cultural context is missing from the article. Li seems motivated by the super traditional view that her womanhood has an expiration date, past which she will be an undesirable "leftover"...Some cultural context is missing from the article. Li seems motivated by the super traditional view that her womanhood has an expiration date, past which she will be an undesirable "leftover" (like food). It's similar to the "single cat lady", except it's harder to push back in a society in which you're expected to stay close to inter-generational family, who will likely remind you of your leftover status every day until they die. Men can't escape the pressure either; Li says that many of the people she met were just going through the motions. Ironically, so is she: her dates "are just entries in the spreadsheet".
I think Li struggles to identify what she truly wants. Her ideal partner (older, mature, and stable) harkens to the olden days of marrying for finances over love (which is still a necessity for many people depending on where they live). She can't shake her true desire to find someone ambitious, daring, and willing to grow with her. However, she doesn't spend enough time with another person to explore this possibility. She subsequently explains how she's written off all Finance and Humanities people because she hates luxury hobbies and operas, as she is not sophisticated herself. What happened to growing?
It would help if Li slowed down and got to know herself better, too. She says she's okay with "decent looking" guys, but her most promising dates turn into friendships. What if she is more "shallow" than she wants to admit? What if she's demisexual? Nothing wrong with either of those things, imo.
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Comment on How to succeed in a cramming-based academic system? in ~science
chizcurl (edited )LinkLooking into trade occupations was also the first thing that came to my mind. But addressing ADHD and learning new ways to study also shouldn't be ignored. If you can tackle that, then you would...Looking into trade occupations was also the first thing that came to my mind. But addressing ADHD and learning new ways to study also shouldn't be ignored. If you can tackle that, then you would probably be in a better position to ask yourself whether lecture-based academia is right for you. Maybe it's the major or the coursework, not the whole education system. The hard sciences were an alien language to me. I spent 6 hours per week deciphering math homework and finally realized that I needed to pivot after multiple final exam failures (curved to "barely passing") in general Chemistry. š„“ I had a much better time in the humanities, although it wasn't easier. There were many sleepless nights under the dining room table and tears of RAGE! However, I felt like my hard work was paying off which was not the case before changing my major.
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Comment on Best "dad" jokes and puns! in ~talk
chizcurl LinkI'm partial to saying "Lettuce leaf" before heading out to eat! šI'm partial to saying "Lettuce leaf" before heading out to eat! š
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Comment on How do you feel about student loan forgiveness? in ~life
chizcurl Link ParentSame here, I remain skeptical but wouldn't oppose the debt forgiveness. Maybe normalization is what we're missing to take US society from the current model of higher education to free or low cost...Same here, I remain skeptical but wouldn't oppose the debt forgiveness. Maybe normalization is what we're missing to take US society from the current model of higher education to free or low cost systems. I've spent literal years voting for candidates running for public office to make it happen. But their bills get shut down or silenced somehow, so apparently the rest of the country still needs to be convinced.
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Comment on Dragonās Dogma 2ās combat is sloppy and unrefined ā on purpose in ~games
chizcurl Link ParentI've only played DD1, but I suspect the author didn't spend as much experimenting or looking things up. Capcom loves making complex systems that aren't explained within the game. š¤Ŗ For example, it...I've only played DD1, but I suspect the author didn't spend as much experimenting or looking things up. Capcom loves making complex systems that aren't explained within the game. š¤Ŗ For example, it looks like the standard dodge mechanic really was removed and replaced with a more difficult alternative. They were also taken aback by the simplicity of pawn commands, but I hardly used them in DD1. I assume that the interaction between a pawn's inclination, monster knowledge, and learned behaviors carries over in DD2 - info we only have thanks to the help of data miners, haha.
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Comment on Hey, monthly mystery commenters, what's up with the hit-and-runs? in ~tildes
chizcurl Link ParentI'm not the target audience lol but I think you've actually answered your own question: People tend to follow up on comments when they feel it is needed. This could mean a variety of things, but I...I'm not the target audience lol but I think you've actually answered your own question: People tend to follow up on comments when they feel it is needed. This could mean a variety of things, but I feel like the simplest reason is that "hit and run" commenters don't view Tildes as one of their regular social spaces. Therefore, they are not as invested in having digital interactions with other people here. In addition to other reasons people have mentioned, I would consider posting anxiety as a possible explanation. Maybe the commenter has read your response, but they don't want to keep a conversation going because they are uncomfortable with the spotlight of directly being addressed on a public forum.
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Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (April 2024) in ~health.mental
chizcurl Link ParentIt sounds like you're going through utter hell right now... Those friends you mentioned fit the description of āenergy vampiresā, and I would be would be side eyeing your family (especially the...It sounds like you're going through utter hell right now... Those friends you mentioned fit the description of āenergy vampiresā, and I would be would be side eyeing your family (especially the adults back then) if they knew about your brother and said nothing... But I am an internet stranger who doesn't know the full picture, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It's really hard to not compare yourself to your peers, but try to remember that everyone has their own timeline. I don't think you are less of a person just because you haven't reached traditional milestones - milestones that were blocked by the setbacks you've endured. You've made it this far, and you still have a life of possibilities ahead! You still have time to surround yourself with others who make you feel safe and secure. I hope that one day, your positives outweigh your negatives.
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Comment on What have you been eating, drinking, and cooking? in ~food
chizcurl (edited )LinkI tried making boba pearls for the first time! After nearly 3 hours of alternating between boiling and turning off the heat, they were only half cooked. š If anyone has tips, please share! I think...I tried making boba pearls for the first time! After nearly 3 hours of alternating between boiling and turning off the heat, they were only half cooked. š If anyone has tips, please share! I think I made a few mistakes: 1) not enough water, 2) didn't stir constantly, 3) added sugar while boiling. Next time, I'll try boiling/simmering for much shorter, turn off the heat, and leave the covered pot on the stove for several hours (add sugar at this point), see where that gets me.
Edit: I talked to a friend who's a boba-making pro, and not having enough water at the start was a big deal: the pot became super saturated with starch, blocking absorption of water by the pearls.
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Comment on It annoys me that so many PC games feel like they're intended for consoles in ~games
chizcurl Link ParentYeah, having an "interact" button mapped to a key is pretty standard for a game if it's not point-and-click. But it sure pisses me off when you can rebind every key under the sun except that one...Yeah, having an "interact" button mapped to a key is pretty standard for a game if it's not point-and-click. But it sure pisses me off when you can rebind every key under the sun except that one button!
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Comment on Thinking about quitting the Internet in ~tech
chizcurl (edited )LinkI don't see why you have to quit the entire Internet unless it has never brought you joy or convenience. What apps or websites are you using that make you think the Internet is not what you hoped...I don't see why you have to quit the entire Internet unless it has never brought you joy or convenience. What apps or websites are you using that make you think the Internet is not what you hoped it would be, and why?
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Comment on What are your go to fast but tasty meals? Is there prep you do on weekends to make meals faster? in ~food
chizcurl LinkI usually meal prep on the weekend and make two sets of meals lasting 4-5 days each. I need different meals for lunch and dinner to break up the monotony. Since I go out to eat a couple times per...I usually meal prep on the weekend and make two sets of meals lasting 4-5 days each. I need different meals for lunch and dinner to break up the monotony. Since I go out to eat a couple times per week, I donāt want too many meals hanging out in the freezer. The meals depend on whatever is on sale at the grocery store. Iāll usually pull up the app or website and make a list before I go. If I need inspiration, Iāll check out some food bloggers Averie Cooks, Budget Bytes, and Skinnytaste. I'm not on a strict diet; I just look for simple and fresh recipes that keep well.
Meal prep isn't for everyone, though. You might have to adjust cook times for reheating depending on your tastes. Freezing can be trickier because most veggies with high water content (spinach, tomato, celery, onion, cucumber, etc.) don't hold up well. I know people who prefer to cook small batch fresh meals every day, or make a fresh meal with leftovers for a couple of days. Other people covered pasta, noodles, rice, stir fry, protein + side, soup, chili, quiche, shepherd's pie, and salad. These are all excellent ideas that can be made fresh or meal prepped for the week.
Iāve also made Tex Mex and Mediterranean inspired quinoa or rice bowls. After cooking and seasoning the rice, youāre pretty much chopping ingredients and throwing them on top. Iāve also had success making a 9x13 pan of enchilada casserole. After buying pre-cooked chicken, I was just layering ingredients and baking it in the oven to melt the cheese. You can also doctor up storebought frozen food! I usually check the label to make sure the sodium isn't through the roof. I once cooked down two tubs of mushrooms and covered the entire surface of a frozen cheese pizza. It looked disturbing, but tasted alright. š I should have broiled the pizza first because the layer of ice on top of the cheese made it watery. Yesterday, I boiled frozen Chinese pork dumplings while sauteeing broccoli. It was quick and tasty. My dip was just vinegar and soy sauce, but sometimes I add sesame oil or chili crisp.
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Comment on Suggestions on how to secure reasonable US Taylor Swift - Eras Tour tickets? in ~music
chizcurl (edited )LinkFrom what I've heard, the key seems to be buying as early as possible. Swell Entertainment made a video last year about applying for Ticketmaster's Verified Fan Presale program. She suspects that...From what I've heard, the key seems to be buying as early as possible. Swell Entertainment made a video last year about applying for Ticketmaster's Verified Fan Presale program. She suspects that the program doesn't do anything, but it's a shot at getting your tickets early. She targeted Las Vegas instead of the venue closer to her, knowing the former would be easier for her to get a seat. Her ticket was in the ballpark of $600. Apparently, she was somehow charged the same price as VIP without getting VIP status. Ticketmaster was also buggy and didn't let her purchase 2 tickets, so you and your fiancee might need to apply individually and hope to get seats next to each other. Capital One cardholders were also able to sign up for the Verified Fan Presale in 2023, but I don't see any news that it applies to this year.
This Billboard article from Jan 2024 might be of interest. It lists a few third party resellers; if you have to go that route, then I suppose you should stick to the most reputable ones. And pay with credit card if possible, so you can issue a chargeback if you don't get tickets transferred quickly to your account. Good luck!
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Comment on Unique things to do in Las Vegas? (and Los Angeles) in ~travel
chizcurl Link ParentYou might also want to follow @ discoverla on IG. It's run by the LA Tourism & Convention Board, but it looks hip lol. Anaheim Packing District has a unique vibe (mega hipster š). Off the top of...You might also want to follow @ discoverla on IG. It's run by the LA Tourism & Convention Board, but it looks hip lol.
Anaheim Packing District has a unique vibe (mega hipster š). Off the top of my head, the Anti-Lab in Costa Mesa is similar. It's also across the street from The Camp, which has a Boba Guys and Folks (great pizza plus natural wines and Basque cheesecake). People bring their dogs to the outside patio. š¤© I haven't been to the OG Kagura (katsu) yet, but they opened a new location ~10 min walk from The Camp.
Hope you guys have a blast and congrats to your friend!
I recommend speaking with your doctor or looking for more resources on flexible dieting strategy, as opposed to a rigid strategy that defines strictly forbidden foods. While the latter works for some people, it can result in binge eating once the rule is broken. The problem with rules is that people still break them if they really want to. š
Have you tried to lessen the association of sweets as forbidden? Aka come up with ways to prove to yourself that you can exist in the same space as the sweets; you can choose when it's appropriate to have them.
For example, maybe you can buy 5 individual snack packs instead of a box of cookies. You won't have to deny yourself from eating one serving, but you will have to deny yourself from having all of them at once. If you want a cookie but not the whole pouch, wrap it back up and save the rest for later. Hopefully, you can work your way up to being comfortable with the box of cookies existing with you in the house.
An important note about serving size: I would be aware of it, but not focused on counting everything out. That can lead to the other extreme of disordered eating.